COMP Cams Hi-Tech Hydraulic Lifters - Manual (Page 2)

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COMP Cams®
3406 Democrat Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 901.795.2400
Part #COMP4-116
Revised 3/22/12
Toll Free: 1.800.999.0853
www.compcams.com
Instructions:
1. Lifter Preparation: Remove your new COMP Cams® lifters from the packaging, and clean
the lifters thoroughly in mineral spirits or an equivalent solvent. Remember, in order to protect
your camshaft warranty new COMP Cams® lifters must be installed on flat tappet cams. It is
not necessary to “pre-pump” hydraulic lifters full of engine oil prior to installation and valve
adjustment. It is actually undesirable to do so as the “pumped up” lifters will cause the valves
to open during the adjustment process, rather than positioning the lifter plunger in its operating
position as it is supposed to do. “Pre-soaking” hydraulic lifters in a bath of engine oil is a good
idea, but not mandatory. Doing so ensures that the lifters are adequately lubricated on their
outer surfaces prior to installation. It may also result in a quieter engine start up as the oil in the
bath may displace some air from the lifter’s plunger reservoir. Coat the bottoms of all flat
tappet lifters with COMP Cams® Cam and Lifter Installation Lube (Part #103) supplied with
flat tappet cams. When you install the lifters, make sure they fit well. Flat tappet lifters should
rotate freely in the lifter bores. Any excess clearance or tight lifters can cause damage to the
camshaft, leading to engine failure. Note: Contact your engine builder or block
manufacturer for your specific clearances.
2. Setup: With your cam installed, simply place the prepped lifters into the lifter bores. If you are
using hydraulic rollers with a link bar, pay close attention to which direction the link bar faces.
The link bars on retro-fit lifters should face towards the valley of the block. If the link bar has
an arrow on it, make sure the arrow is pointing upwards (↑). If your engine block was originally
equipped with hydraulic rollers make sure the High Energy Lifter™ roller wheel is positioned
to roll along the camshaft lobe. Failure to do so will result in camshaft damage and improper
oiling. Now that the lifters are in place, you can begin to install the pushrods and rocker arms.
3. Pushrod and rocker arms: Clean all pushrods thoroughly because most engines oil through
the center of them. If the original pushrods are being used, be especially sure they come clean
inside and out. Apply a small amount of COMP Cams® Engine Assembly Lube (Part #102) or
an equivalent lube on each end of the pushrods, and install them into the engine. Clean all
rocker arms thoroughly. If the original rocker arms are used, examine each one for excessive
wear, and replace any that are questionable. Apply a small amount of lube on all contact areas
of the rocker arm. With a clean rag or towel, wipe the tips of the valves clean and apply lube to
them where the rocker arms will come in contact with them. Also be sure to check the valve
stem tips for excessive wear. Next, install the rocker arms. Make sure the pushrod is in the lifter
and the rocker arm seat when making valve adjustments.
4. Adjusting pre-load: COMP Cams® High Energy Lifters™ can be used with adjustable and
non-adjustable valve train designs. However, each type of valve train has its own set of
procedures for setting pre-load. This section is divided into two parts: Section I describes
adjusting pre-load with an adjustable valve train, while Section II explains adjusting the valves
using a non-adjustable valve train.